The pilot deployments, which were preceded by a successful beta test conducted at Boom Noodle restaurant in Seattle, will serve as the first opportunity for restaurant operators from around the country to utilize the payment platform to streamline table service operations and generate new advertising and marketing revenues.

“Over the course of our beta testing we carefully observed the performance of the RAIL in a live restaurant environment and we’ve refined the platform based on how guests engaged with our digital bill folders and how the wait staff incorporated the device into their workflow,” says Joe Snell, CEO of Viableware. “We’re extremely pleased with the results and even more excited to pilot the platform for an elite group of restaurant partners from all four corners of the United States.”

The RAIL payment platform easily integrates with industry leading POS systems, such as MICROS Systems and Dinerware, to securely accept payments at the table.

On the front end, it utilizes a fleet of handheld devices designed to replicate the look and feel of the bill presentation folder diners are accustomed to seeing at the finish of a meal–but unlike the original, the devices enable guests to self-swipe credit or debit cards, auto-calculate the tip, split the bill up to nine ways, pay-by-item, and direct-email receipts.

The RAIL also offers operators a number of key benefits, including improved wait staff efficiency, new advertising revenue opportunities, and new guest loyalty applications.

“Piloting the RAIL platform is an investment in the guest experience, as it enables table service to be more efficient at the time of payment,” says Dickie Brennan, owner of New Orleans-based Dickie Brennan restaurants, including Palace Café, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, and Bourbon House.

“We’re looking to the RAIL technology to provide our guests with a more convenient and efficient payment process, and to help our managers better communicate with guests in a personalized, one-on-one manner before they leave the restaurant. The RAIL could also provide valuable support to our sales and marketing effort, enabling us to cross-promote our restaurants or provide incentive for guests to return.”

“Utilizing this type of technology in today’s restaurant environment is becoming more and more important because it mitigates concerns customers have about handing a credit card to a server,” says Patrick Irwin, vice president, information technology, at Restaurants Unlimited. “If the credit card never leaves their hand, that makes the guests and me both very happy.”